Sussex Skyhawks mascot is fired after child pornography charges

SUSSEX COUNTY --The Sussex Skyhawks minor league baseball team has fired a 22-year-old Vernon man who played their mascot, Scooter, after he was charged with possessing child pornography, according to a report in the New Jersey Herald.

According to the report, Patrick Davenport, of Highland Lakes, was arrested on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, though the investigation has not revealed any connection to his work for the Sussex Skyhawks, authorities told the New Jersey Herald. Ben Wittkowski, general manager of the Skyhawks, issued a statement on their website Thursday announcing the termination.

"While the charges filed against this individual are a result of his alleged private actions on his personal time away from the stadium, we understand that it is vital to restate our commitment to hiring personnel of the highest character," Wittkowski said.

Wittkowski also said in the statement all present and future employees will undergo background screenings. Davenport was released from the Sussex County Jail after posting $50,000 bail.